As your pastor, one of my primary jobs is to help you interpret and live the lessons of the Bible. So whenever I see a prominent story where scripture is misused, I feel the need to write and provide some clarity.
The incident in question happened a little over a week ago when our nation’s Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, quoted Romans 13 while defending the administration’s policy to separate families crossing the US/Mexico border (read about it here). Before I go further, let me insert my standard disclaimer for politically charged issues. I know this is a hot button topic. So if I hit one of your buttons with my thoughts, come talk me. I buy a mean cup of coffee and would love to chat in person.
All right, first let me share the full text that AG Sessions summarized as a “clear and wise command . . . to obey the law of the government.”
“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.”
-Romans 13:1-7 NLT
This passage actually has a long and unfortunate history. It is frequently used by those in power to ensure the complete and total obedience of their citizens (read a fascinating article about it here if you’d like). You can see why officials would want to use it this way. The passage seems pretty clear cut at first glance. God ordained the government, you obey it, end of story!
But you have to remember, Rinn Nation, this letter was not originally intended for us or any of the other people who have historically referenced it. So we need to go back to its first audience to see what the verses are really saying. That would be the ancient church at Rome, which was enduring some political tension when Paul sent them this note. The prevailing theory is that, at this juncture in history (approximately 55-60 CE), there was a lot of unrest in Judea. Rome was extremely unpopular due to harsh policies and inept governors. The Jews, having dealt with it for decades, were openly fermenting revolt (a rebellion did end up erupting in the mid-60s, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70ce). The sentiment quickly spread to all the Jewish centers of the ancient world, including the large community in Rome itself. And since the Church at that time was still technically a part of Judaism, members of Paul’s Roman congregation were finding themselves drawn into the conflict.
Paul writes knowing this and understanding the sort of scrutiny the church is under. Christians everywhere were not popular in the slightest. Romans thought of them as incestuous cannibals who referred to each other as “Brother and Sister” and claimed to eat the body and blood of their Savior. Moreover, every time there was a natural disaster or some other unexplainable tragedy, they blamed the Christians who did not worship the existing pantheon of Roman Gods. So in this part of the letter, Paul is really exhorting potential Jewish hotheads to tone it down and avoid further negative attention. It’s hard enough to be a Christian in Rome. So follow the rules! Focus on God and get by!
I’ve seen several other interpretations similar to this. One theory I read a while back said Paul is being sarcastic writing this, and whoever read this part to the congregation would put “air quotes” around this passage. It was Paul’s way of saying Rome was important, but believers only had to pay lip service to the Empire. Others think he put this passage in to throw off Roman spies. The Christian Communities at the time were closely watched, so Paul could’ve put these verses in, not as a directive to the church, but to allay suspicion if a copy was intercepted. Whatever the case, the prevalent Christian belief around this passage is that Paul is not completely endorsing government power.
But what if he is? What if AG Sessions and other modern, literal readings of this passage are correct? Well, it still would not be properly used in this context. Because if a government believes its approach to be based on scripture there are a whole other set of teachings it would need to follow. Since immigration is the primary focus, let me share a small smattering of the Bible verses that apply:
“Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt.” Exodus 20:9
“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners.” Leviticus 19:33-34
“As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your name— for they will hear of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm—when they come and pray toward this temple, then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name.” 1 Kings 8:41-44
See a common theme? There are many more verses out there that I’ll eagerly share if you are interested. They say virtually the same thing. The people and governments who claim to follow God and love Jesus Christ are charged to care for the migrants, refugees and immigrants in their land. So for Attorney General to zoom in and “cherry-pick” by saying only Romans 13 is relevant is an inappropriate misreading of scripture. I would personally go further say its offensive for him to do so when separating children is involved. And I’m by far not the only pastor who feels this way. Leaders from all sides of the religious/political spectrum are outraged at what has happened. When an issue unites traditionalist pastors like Franklin Graham with progressive Christians leaders like Jim Wallis, you know it runs counter to our beliefs!
So where does that leave us? Well, I hope you see Romans 13:1-7 does not give governing authorities (Democrat, Republican, or otherwise) permission to do and act as they please. The Bible says so much more than needs to be considered! Yet, we still have to acknowledge that citizens need to live under the law. Christianity is inherently a pro-government religion. We don’t like chaos, preferring instead the stability and comfort of law and order. So there has to be a compromise somewhere, a way we can create laws that welcome migrants while protecting our nation from those who might do us harm. Simply claiming one set of verses as our basis does not help us do this. So let us pray for AG Sessions and our other leaders so they would be opened to the entirety of Scripture. And why don’t we help them with this? We can urge all our representatives to instill reforms that keep us safe and welcome the stranger. Doing otherwise by forcing a hardline approach is unbiblical. So I hope we keep this in mind as the debate around immigration progresses.
It’s a hard line to walk, Nation. But hey, that’s the gospel for you! There is never a simple answer, but it is fascinating learning on the way, isn’t it? Thanks for reading this, my friends. If you have any questions, let me know. Otherwise, have a great end to the week and I hope to see you Sunday!
Take Care,
Pastor Bryson
So where does that leave us? Well, I hope you see Romans 13:1-7 does not give governing authorities (Democrat, Republican, or otherwise) permission to do and act as they please. The Bible says so much more than needs to be considered! Yet, we still have to acknowledge that citizens need to live under the law. Christianity is inherently a pro-government religion. We don’t like chaos, preferring instead the stability and comfort of law and order. So there has to be a compromise somewhere, a way we can create laws that welcome migrants while protecting our nation from those who might do us harm. Simply claiming one set of verses as our basis does not help us do this. So let us pray for AG Sessions and our other leaders so they would be opened to the entirety of Scripture. And why don’t we help them with this? We can urge all our representatives to instill reforms that keep us safe and welcome the stranger. Doing otherwise by forcing a hardline approach is unbiblical. So I hope we keep this in mind as the debate around immigration progresses.
It’s a hard line to walk, Nation. But hey, that’s the gospel for you! There is never a simple answer, but it is fascinating learning on the way, isn’t it? Thanks for reading this, my friends. If you have any questions, let me know. Otherwise, have a great end to the week and I hope to see you Sunday!
Take Care,
Pastor Bryson
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